Powerful gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled officials to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas including these major districts.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the winds, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
